Hi everyone! The Body of Wisdom podcast is back, this time for a very special episode! In this episode, I’m opening up about a journey that’s personal, raw, and life-affirming—our recent pain-free, pleasurable freebirth experience and the profound insights that came with it. Joined by my husband Mason, we’re diving into what it’s been like navigating (for the third time) pregnancy, birth, and the early days of postpartum, exploring not only the practical stuff but the deeper emotional and spiritual layers of birth, partnership, and parenthood. This episode is filled with reflections on love, growth, and the incredible capacities of the human body, oour true "body of wisdom," especially in those intense, transformative moments of birthing and nurturing life. I went into this birth with the quiet intention to experience a pain-free (possibly even pleasurable birth) and I got exactly that. It was the most beautiful, meditative, embodied experience. We also share about the conception, pregnancy and freebirth/pain-free birth prep process. Whether you’re preparing for your own birth, curious about the process of birth, or simply here for a heartwarming story, I hope this episode resonates with and supports you on your journey to fully embody your wisdom.

In this episode we discuss:

• The Power of Inner Preparation and Birth as a Transformative Experience - Mason and I reflect on the mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation involved in birth. From introspection and letting go of preconceived notions, to reaching a state of calm and clarity, we explore how intentional preparation helped transform the birth experience into one of pleasure and immanence.
• Surrendering to the Process of Birth and Embracing Vulnerability - Both of us share moments of self-doubt and vulnerability, discussing how accepting fears and relinquishing control opened up space for an empowering, peaceful, pleasant birth experience. We talk about letting go of the “need to conquer” whether it's fear, or birth itself, and the process of finding ease in self-inquiry, trust, gratitude, communication, and presence.
• Understanding and Respecting the Partner’s Role in the Birth Space - We discuss how Mason found his role as a supportive presence—often without “doing” anything—and the delicate balance between stepping in and intruding in the 'birth magic' and holding space and bearing witness. The need for genuine, quiet presence over active assistance is highlighted as a way to honour the mother’s autonomy and experience.
• Birth as a Sacred Dance with Nature and Spirituality - Drawing from Taoist and yogic perspectives, we discuss the visceral, almost spiritual connection experienced in birth. The physical, emotional, and cosmic aspects intertwined, creating a unique experience akin to a spiritual awakening—one that’s grounding, powerful, and humbling.
• Healing, Recovery, and Early Postpartum Reflections - We share about the postpartum journey and adapting to a new family dynamic.
• Empowering Birth Choices and Recognising Inner Strength - This episode emphasises the strength in choosing a path that resonates personally—whether that’s freebirth, midwifery support, or hospital care. By examining our own narratives around birth, we share insights on rewriting limiting beliefs and finding empowerment in personal choices.
• Navigating the Integration of Family and Spiritual Growth - We close with reflections on how birth and parenting deepen spiritual growth and connection. The conversation touches on the unique spiritual and practical union of parenthood, especially in guiding each child through life with gentleness, respect, and resilience.

I am so excited to share this with you, and hope our story has given you a glimpse into the beauty, messy magic of birth and parenting young kids. Whether it sparked a new perspective, a shared laugh, or a moment of self-reflection, I’m grateful to have shared this space with you. If you have any questions or just want to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am so grateful for this wise body and all it has taught me. 

Referenced in this episode: 

• Yolande Norris Clark - Portal book and course
• Jane Hardwick-Collings Shamanic Dimensions of Pregnancy workshop and Four Seasons Journey
• Binnie Dansby Ecstatic Birth: The Dynamics of Creation
• Shelia Kamara Hay Instagram
• Ancestral Nutrition Primal Multi
• SuperFeast tonic herbs
• Past birth stories:
  • Aiya's homebirth pt 1 pt 2
  • Leo's wild pregnancy freebirth pt 1 pt 2

In this captivating episode of the Body of Wisdom podcast, I'm joined by the incredible Emmie Rae from The Daily Rest. Emmie is a passionate advocate for rest practices like restorative and yin yoga, and she runs the popular The Daily Rest Studio where she shares these practices along with workshops on topics like Human Design and Soft Business. Emmie also facilitates retreats and live events in Japan, where she has been living full-time since the start of 2024.

During our conversation, Emmie opens up about her recent move to Tokyo, the challenges of establishing her business in a new country, and her journey of integrating rest into her daily life. We dive into her vast experiences with yoga, wellness and Japanese culture, the unique elements she incorporates into her retreats, and the importance of balancing work and rest.

We also explore Emmie's approach to business through the lens of Human Design and how she helps others create sustainable, heart-centered businesses. Emmie's honesty about the struggles and triumphs of her path provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to bring more intention into their lives and work.

Join us for an inspiring and heartwarming conversation with one of the most genuine voices in the wellness community. Whether you're a yoga enthusiast, a business owner, or simply seeking more rest in your life, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.

In this episode we discuss:

• Emmie's journey from a school girl in NSW's Far South Coast to entrepreneurial life in Tokyo, Japan
• Navigating perfectionism (especially within the Yoga and wellness industries) and Emmie's catalyst moment for embracing her humanity
• The liberation found in Yin and Restorative Yoga for people who are high-achievers or anxious girlies
• Letting go of the idea of becoming perfectly regulated (and how Emmie deals with earthquakes!)
• Emmie's long-term love affair with Japan and her adventures setting up her business in a foreign country
• Human Design and how it serves creatives and the self-employed
• The evolution of Emmie's Soft Business approach and how she integrates Human Design 
• What's next for Emmie and The Daily Rest

Where to Find Emmie:

• The Daily Rest Studio
• Emmie's Website
• Instagram: @thedailyrest
• Substack: Emmie's Substack

Welcome back to the Body of Wisdom podcast! In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Sarina Stone, an internationally renowned Medical Chi Kung (Qigong) instructor, abdominal massage (chi nei tsang) expert, natural health advocate, and author of seven books (as well as the host of Mantak Chia's podcast!). Sarina shares her incredible journey from Renaissance fair performer to Taoist practitioner. Discover how a chance encounter with a cassette tape and a dedication to self-healing led Sarina to become a master teacher and healer. We dive into the power of the mind-body connection, the simplicity and effectiveness of Taoist practices, and the transformative impact of cultivating self-awareness and a connection with natural healing modalities.

In this episdoe we cover: 

• How a cassette tape led to life-changing healing from scoliosis
• Mantak Chia's advice to Sarina when he first saw her 'healing hands'
• The simple yet effective Taoist practices that have changed Sarina's life
• The principles of chi nei tsang (Taoist abdominal massage) and its benefits
• The importance of knowing that we all have the power to heal ourselves and create our reality
• The quantum nature of Taoist teachings
• The importance of taking the practice out of the dojo and into the 'real world'
• Predictions from Taoist masters as to humanity's future
• The importance of raising healthy, conscious children
• And so much more!

I was fortunate enough to take a weekend course with Sarina in 2023 and she will be visiting Australia again in 2025 - I'd highly recommend studying with her if you're interested in learning more about chi nei tsang or Taoist healing techniques. 

So much gratitude to Sarina for this incredible episode and for her teachings. 

Sarina's website: https://www.sarinastone.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_taolady/ 

Online certification courses: https://www.sarinastone.com/online-store/Online-Certification-Courses-c124212346 

Online consultations: https://www.sarinastone.com/online-store/Private-Consultations-c21680973 

Inner Alchemy Practices (Inner Smile, Microcosmic Orbit etc): https://www.sarinastone.com/online-store/Classic-Medical-Qigong-Inner-Alchemy-c21680972 

In this captivating episode of the "Body of Wisdom" podcast, we delve into the incredible world of Oni Blecher—a dynamic force in the realms of birthwork, the healing and creative arts, and community advocacy. Oni’s expertise encompasses Visionary Craniosacral work, Arvigo® Techniques of Mayan Abdominal Therapy, myofascial release, and visceral osteopathy, all of which she seamlessly integrates to support women through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Oni has also trained as a midwife and is well-known as a doula and birth-advocate in the Northern Rivers, NSW, region.

Oni shares her heartfelt stories and experiences, highlighting the profound impact of working with women, and especially babies and children. Her insights reveal the astonishing capacity of these young beings to integrate and heal from their early life experiences.

As the co-facilitator of "Earthed to Birth," a weekly pregnancy and gardening group, and a vital member of PBB Media, Oni’s advocacy work aims to educate and inspire on the topic of maternity health. Through PBB Media, she blends stories, science, traditions, and innovative ideas to transform perspectives on childbirth and parenting.

With a background in literature, creative writing, photojournalism, and visual arts, Oni brings a  creative, embodied and holistic approach to her work. Her dedication to connecting to the intuitive body with confident expression shines through her poetry and community initiatives.

Recently, Oni completed a master’s degree focusing on Australian masculinities and male mental health, aiming to foster harmony within family dynamics by promoting embodied awareness, which we also discuss in this episode.

Highlights of This Episode:

• Sisterhood, and Oni's powerful bond with her three beautiful sisters
• Discover Oni's journey from midwifery to the healing arts
• Learn about her transformative work with babies and children
• Understand the evolving roles of doulas and midwives
• Explore insights from her research on masculinity and mental health
• Dive into her advocacy efforts with PBB Media
• Get inspired by "Earthed to Birth" and community-driven care

Join us for an inspiring conversation that bridges the realms of birth, healing, sisterhood, and community care. Tune in and be inspired by Oni Blecher's holistic approach to nurturing women, families, and communities.

Oni's website: https://oniblecher.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oni_keeperofthehearth/ 

Earthed to Birth: https://www.instagram.com/earthedtobirth/ 

PBB Media: https://www.pbbmedia.org/ 

PBB Media podcast: https://www.pbbmedia.org/the-pbb-podcast.html 

Visionary Cranio-Sacral Work: https://milneinstitute.com/

Shemana Elixirs: https://www.shemana.com.au/ 

My friend and wise woman Angela (Ange) Jessup joins me on the podcast today to speak about all things holistic kinesiology. Ange and I met on the Four Season’s Journey with Jane Hardwicke Collings and The School of Shamanic Womancraft, and quickly bonded over all things babies (we both had newborns), yoga, and the multidimensional aspects of life! 

Ange curates her kinesiology offerings to serve the specific needs of women, especially those in their mothering season, and more recently children, and she is a total sorceress - it was a delight to hear her speak about her work. Ange is also the mama of three little ones.

In this episode:

• Ange explains kinesiology, emphasising its basis in Chinese medicine and 5-Element theory, how she works with the meridians and specific points, as well as muscle-testing and other multidimensional aspects of the work, such as how kinesiology is such a unqiue tool for addressing subconscious patterns, wounding and triggers
• How Ange works with children, both her own and in clinic, especially in terms of respecting the intution and knowing of the mother
• How kinesiology has assisted her on her own journey as a mother (and pre-conception - Ange was told she'd never have kids!)
• Ange's journey integrating and healing the wounded parts of herself so she can show up as a mother
• Ange shares her passion for addressing birth trauma and advocating for women's choices in the birth space. She recounts her personal experiences with birth and the importance of women being able to advocate for themselves. We also reflect on the systemic issues and societal expectations that affect women's experiences of birth and motherhood.
• How Ange balances motherhood and self-care, especially as someone serving other mothers
• How Ange approaches conscious parenting
• And so much more!

I love this chat, it’s so nourishing and Ange is definitely one inspiring mama! Grab a cuppa and get settled. And then book a session with Ange!

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/angelajessup__/ 

Website: https://www.angelajessup.com/

Mentioned in this podcast:

Parliamentary Inquiry Into Birth Trauma

School of Shamanic Womancraft https://schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com/ 

Jane Hardwicke Collings https://janehardwickecollings.com/ 

Zoe Bosco https://www.zoebosco.com/ 

Drama Triangle https://karpmandramatriangle.com/ 

In this episode, I was both privileged to sit with, and deeply inspired by, my guest, Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, PhD. Uma is the author of Yoni Shakti, as well as many other books, and her work, along with Vicki Noble's, set something alight in me. As I read her book, I saw written in plain and clear language what my body-heart-mind had always known: there is a feminine source-point for yoga that is the key or code to understanding the truth of the practice. Uma helps me to unpack this awareness, and she and I cover many topics that are challenging but, hopefully, ultimately liberating. We do touch on some sensitive subjects, so be prepared for a big conversation.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How yoga has changed since Uma met (and fell in love with!) yoga in the 60s
• The abuse of power within largely patriarchal, commercially-driven yoga lineages
• The "yoga industrial complex"
• Why Uma no longer refers to herself as a yoga teacher
• How women can meet yoga as cyclical beings (menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause), and how we can all get more out of our yoga practice (hint: it involves more rest!)
• The natural siddhis and altered states of the feminine experience and how yoga seeks to emulate them
• The exploitation of yoga teachers in the current, unsustainable studio-based business model
• Yoga Nidra beyond its commercial trademarks - as a practice that is perhaps as old as humanity and found (in some form) across multiple indigenous cultures
• Uma's new book, Nidra Shakti, and her process of writing and researching
• How Uma's Celtic roots manifest in her yoga practice
• How Uma developed Womb Yoga
• The importance of education and community (sangha) in breaking through the barriers to collective healing and empowerment
• And so much more...!!

Throughout this episode, Uma advocates for a holistic, inclusive, therapeutic approach to yoga that honours the body’s natural cycles and supports collective healing. This podcast provides an in-depth exploration of yoga's commercialisation, the importance of reclaiming indigenous and feminine cyclical wisdom, and the empowerment of women through respectful and individualised yoga practices (and a lot more rest!). I cannot wait to share Uma's body of wisdom with you!

About Uma Dinsmore-Tuli:

Uma Dinsmore-Tuli inspires tired humans to restore rhythmic cycles of health through rest. She shares simple tools and yoga therapeutic techniques to recover health and reconnect to embodied wisdom. Uma met yoga in 1969, at the age of four, and fell in love. She’s been practising ever since, and teaching yoga since 1994. A yoga therapist with special expertise in yoga therapy for women’s health, Uma identifies her teachings as “post-lineage” yoga, rooted in yoga tantra and drawing on a variety of yogic traditions to share deeply nourishing and enlivening practices appropriate for contemporary life.

Uma works internationally, sharing yoga retreats, trainings, and empowerments that support the natural arising of prana shakti: the power of life. She trains specialist teachers in Total Yoga Nidra and Yoni Shakti Well Woman Yoga Therapy for menstrual and menopausal health, pregnancy, birth, and postnatal recovery. Uma is also the author of six books:

• Nidra Shakti: The Power of Rest: An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Yoga Nidra (due for release July 2023)
• Yoni Shakti: A Woman's Guide to Power and Freedom through Yoga and Tantra (2014/2020)
• Yoga Nidra Made Easy (2022)
• The Celtic School of Yoga (2016)
• Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth (2010)
• Mother's Breath (2005)

Uma is also Co-Founder of Yoga Nidra Network (2011) and the mother of three children. Her practice and teaching respect the cyclical powers of the living earth and honour human life cycles as spiritual initiations (including menarche, conscious menstruation, menopause, birth, and postnatal recovery).

Uma's Website: https://umadinsmoretuli.com/

Yoga Nidra Network: https://www.yoganidranetwork.org/

Uma's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/umadinsmoretuli 

Online Courses: https://www.yoganidranetwork.org/self-led-learning/ 

Other references mentioned in this podcast:

Vicki Noble: https://www.vickinoble.com/ 

Motherpeace Tarot: https://motherpeace.com/ 

Matthew Remski on Ashtanga Yoga Abuse: https://matthewremski.com/wordpress/tag/ashtanga-yoga/ 

Satyananda Abuse: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/media-releases/report-satyananda-yoga-ashram-released 

In this episode of the Body of Wisdom podcast, I had the immense pleasure of diving deep into conversation with Jody Vassallo. Jody is a beloved expert in Ayurveda, Ki and yin yoga and holistic health, and she is the creator of the Insta-famous black sesame cake! Jody has a poignant life story that deeply informs her compassionate and insightful approach to wellness (you can find her enriching content on Instagram @jodyvassallobeautifulfood). Her multifaceted journey through personal challenges, particularly infertility and menopause, alongside her extensive experience with Ayurvedic practices and yoga, makes for an enriching conversation that blends spiritual insights with grounded, practical wisdom. In this episode, we cover:

• Jody's fascinating career, from Home Economics to author (Jody has written 40 cookbooks!) and publisher to Ayurvedic practicioner and counsellor to Yoga teacher trainer and international retreat leader
• Jody's profound connection with yin yoga and its transformative impact during perimenopause and menopause, especially 
• Jody's personal growth through the challenges of infertility, exploring her emotional journey and the holistic practices that helped her navigate this period
• Reflections on ageing, transformation, and the vital role of community support in navigating life’s significant transitions
• Ayurvedic strategies for creating a nurturing environment for children, emphasising the importance of stability and routine to manage their energy effectively
• Insights into her professional endeavors, including upcoming yoga trainings and retreats that integrate her deep knowledge of Ayurvedic principles

This episode is a delicious blend (rather like Jody's Tilba Chai!) of empathetic storytelling, expert wellness advice (through the lens of Eastern medicine), and introspective insights, all presented in Jody's uniquely nurturing yet practical style. Youre bound to find invaluable wisdom in our conversation. So, tune in and join us as we explore Jody's Body of Wisdom.

Website: https://www.jodyvassallo.com/ 

Upcoming Yin Yoga Teacher Training: https://www.jodyvassallo.com/yoga 

Upcoming Japan Retreat: https://www.jodyvassallo.com/food-yoga-tour-of-japan 

Ayurvedic recipe book: https://www.jodyvassallo.com/books 

Online Courses: https://www.jodyvassallo.com/online-course 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodyvassallobeautifulfood/ 

In this episode of the Body of Wisdom podcast, I had the immense pleasure of diving deep into conversation with Camille Julia, a women's mentor, embracer of life, and personal development enthusiast with a fascinating life story and a beautifully nuanced approach to her work. Camille’s journey of self-responsibility and authenticity, coupled with her engaging storytelling, makes for a captivating conversation that blends spiritual insights with practical wisdom. Her transformative experiences from moving countries to embracing feminine and masculine energies are truly inspiring. In this episode, we cover:

• Camille's journey of personal evolution
• Navigating COVID and reflections on how the pandemic served as a mirror for internal fears and projections 
• Feminine and masculine dynamics in relationship, and how to embrace feminine energy in partnership
• How Cam processes emotions, including her favourite methods for somatic release and cognitive reflection
• How to begin to take radical self-responsibiltiy for your life
• How mentorship can support our personal growth and evolution
• The power of women’s circles in fostering deep connections and self-awareness, and how they provide a safe space for witnessing and sharing

This episode offers a rich blend of personal growth insights from someone who committed to doing the work, individually and in relationship, as well as an exploration of the dance of masculine and feminine energies, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. Camille's journey exemplifies how surrendering to life's flow and facing personal shadows and the narrative of victimhood can lead to profound transformation and alignment. Whether you're a seasoned personal growth enthusiast or just beginning your journey, you'll find this conversation deeply inspiring. So, tune in and join us as we explore Camille's Body of Wisdom.

Camille's website: https://www.becomingfullyhuman.ca/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillejulia/ 

Books/Mentorship: https://www.becomingfullyhuman.ca/shop 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/becoming-fully-human/id1520967306 

Upcoming Course: Taking off the Masks - Waitlist: https://www.becomingfullyhuman.ca/taking-off-the-masks 

In this episode of the Body of Wisdom podcast, I had the immense pleasure of diving deep into conversation with Jules Ferrari. Jules is an astrologer (and aesthete!) with a captivating life story and a beautifully nuanced approach to her work (you might follow her visually stunning and equally educational astrology IG @golden__nature). Jules’s unique approach to astrology (practical wisdom, no BS), coupled with her engaging storytelling, makes for a fascinating conversation that blends spiritual insights with practical wisdom. Her journey from a childhood steeped in books, personal development, and music to her adventures in art, as a touring musician, and Vedic spirituality, before finding her calling in astrology is truly captivating. In this episode, we cover:

• Jules's journey to astrology during her Saturn return
• Understanding the Moon, its sign and house, as reflecting our emotional and inner realms - including a summary of the upcoming Moon Oracle course (https://www.julesferrari.com/moon-oracle)
• Personal growth and embodiment - how Jules learned to harness the power of embodiment, routine, self-care, and self-actualisation (hint: it's got something to do with her Virgo moon!)
• How the healing we teach is often the healing we needed to receive - reflections on boundaries, energetic permeability, and how Jules has learned to navigate her openness without becoming hard
• Making medicine from diverse life experiences: Jules has been everything from a teen athlete to an art world professional, from a musician to an astrologer. Her eclectic experiences offer a rich tapestry of insights and stories that illustrate the power of following one’s unique path.
• Spiritual explorations and lessons from her time in the Hare Krishna movement
• Astrology as a parent (especially of a sensitive kid)
• Jules' unique, practial and transformative take on astrolgoy - her influences and inspirations and her offerings as a teacher and guide

This episode is an epic blend of astrological wisdom, personal growth and introspective insights, and practical, embodied wisdom. Jules’ approach is both deeply spiritual and refreshingly down-to-earth. Whether you're a seasoned astrology enthusiast or like me, just curious about the stars, you'll love this chat. So, tune in and join us as we explore Jules' Body of Wisdom.

Podcast on Jung's Red Book: https://plnk.to/salome?to=page

Jules' website: https://www.julesferrari.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden__nature 

Moon Oracle course: https://www.julesferrari.com/moon-oracle 

Psychic Kids workshop: https://www.julesferrari.com/workshops/p/psychic-kids 

Book a reading: https://www.julesferrari.com/readings 

In this episode of Body of Wisdom, we meet Dani Wolff and she takes us through her fascinating life as a legit pioneer in earth building and natural building design, permaculture, and conscious community creation, all the way through to her more recent work with Byron Bay-based pregnancy/gardening group Earthed to Birth and as a doula.

We cover all sorts of territory in this chat, I am so sure you're going to love it!

• From Earthships to Motherhood: Discover how Dani transitioned from her life travelling the world designing and building sustainable natural homes to supporting new mothers as a doula
• The Realities of Conscious Community: Dani shares the trials and successes of building conscious and collaborative commnunities, including her studies at Findhorn in Scotland and how that led her to create two 'model' communities, in Victoria and Byron Bay
• Community Impact: Learn about Dani's innovative projects, including a local mums and bubs farm initiative and the Earth to Birth pregnancy support group (that was concevied as probably the world's first pregnancy and garedning group!), and how she pivoted from large-scale projects to micro-projects in order to increase her impact
• Sustainable Living: Gain insights into sustainable building practices and how Dani learned to adapt them to different climates through trial and error
• Birth Work and Doula Experiences: Hear touching stories from Dani’s experiences attending births and the vital role doulas play (especially in supporting dads!)

Don't miss this deeply enriching conversation on the Body of Wisdom podcast!

Find Dani: 

https://www.instagram.com/_daniwolff_/

Make Hearth - Natural Building Design

https://www.instagram.com/make.hearth/

Byron College Course: Natural Building Introduction 

https://byroncollege.org.au/course-details/?course_id=82985&course_type=w 

Earthed to Birth - meets at The Farm Byron Bay fortnightly

https://www.instagram.com/earthedtobirth/

Young Farmers Connect

https://www.instagram.com/young.farmers.connect/ 

Dani also offers a Lismore pregnancy group and doula services. Contact her via Instagram to learn more.